What was that? Loud 'boom' rocks multiple central Alabama cities

Apparently, no one knows yet. But a lot of people heard it, and felt it.

Birmingham area law enforcement agencies said they've received reports, and so has St. Clair County EMA. The areas that experienced whatever it was include Arab, Oxford, Anniston, Hayden, Kimberly, Center Point, Jasper and Gardendale just to name a few.

The U.S. Geological Survey shows no sign of an earthquake. Authorities said they've received no calls about smoke or fire.

"Reports of a loud sound coming from various parts of the county,'' St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency reported via Twitter. "We will post information as soon as it becomes available."

The agency said it was possibly a meteor re-entry but said that was not confirmed.

Other counties also reported inquiries including Talladega, Calhoun, Jefferson and Blount. "Has anyone heard a loud explosion in west Blount County?" Blount County 9-1-1 posted on Twitter. "We've received several calls between Spunky Hollow Road and Cannons Crossing. Law enforcement is currently patrolling the area."

This is what the National Weather Service had to say: "loud boom heard: we do not see anything indicating large fire/smoke on radar or satellite; nothing on USGS indicating an earthquake. We don't have an answer, and can only hypothesize with you. 1) sonic boom from aircraft; 2) meteorite w/ current Leonid shower?"

The "boom" happened shortly before 2 p.m. As of 3 p.m., police scanner reports in Birmingham still reflected concerned citizens calling for help. No injuries have been reported.

Jefferson County Chief Deputy Randy Christian said he couldn't only imagine. "I think our founding fathers just read about the state of politics in our country,'' he said.